Tate made his in-person plea to an arbitrator in New York City after last Tuesday’s practice. The decision took longer than the anticipated three-day window because an arbitrator can request a transcript of the hearing and reset the clock but coach Pat Shurmur was “anticipating” an outcome Tuesday morning.

The Giants held a wide receiver tryout late last month and signed Amba Etta-Tawo and T.J. Jones.

Jones, Russell Shepard and Fowler all caught touchdown passes from three different quarterbacks in Thursday’s 31-22 win against the Jets. Tate played 18 snaps.

Jones, who has experience with the Detroit Lions, had a team-high six catches for 72 yards and could be playing his way onto the bubble. Another player who could benefit from Tate not counting against the 53-man roster while suspended is receiver Alonzo Russell, who has a 6-foot-4 frame and a good rapport with rookie quarterback Daniel Jones.

Will the Giants suddenly panic and sign more veteran help for September?

The zero-tolerance policy collectively bargained by the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association does not forgive based on intent, naivety or honesty. Appeals need to show a problem with the testing process.

The last overturned PEDs suspension was in 2016 when Houston Texans offensive lineman Duane Brown proved his was the result of eating too much tainted meat in Mexico. PEDs suspensions typically are not reduced in length, either.

Here is a statement from a NFL spokesperson:

Golden Tate of the New York Giants has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2019 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Tate is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be allowed to return to the Giants’ active roster on Monday, September 30, following the team’s Week 4 game vs. Washington.